9/11 has changed my life in more ways than one.  Seriously.  I didn' t even know anyone who died.  Today on the sixth anniversary I wanted to pay tribute, but also give you something to read at the same time.  In 2004 when I was graduating from high school, I was one of a few seniors asked to write a senior statement to be published in the school newspaper, the Newtonite.  I immediately knew I wanted to write about 9/11.

Here is what was published in our graduation issue.

"For the past four years, Newton North has been part of many memories that will stay with us forever. We've won awards, made life-long friends, attended proms, and even became state champions. However, one day at North will especially stay clear in our minds forever. As freshman, the class of 2005 was still learning to find its way around the expansive North on our fourth day of high school. The date was September 11th, 2001.  Just about every senior I've asked remembers that day at Newton North in fine detail. It can be compared to the day President Kennedy was assassinated, and our parents remembering their exact whereabouts at the moment they found out. As for myself, my day started in Mr. Vignone's history class, which went as usual except for him turning on the radio, which he had never done. My next class was English with Ms. Craig-Olins. It was here when Mrs. Huntington made her first announcement to the school, briefly describing what had happened up until that point. I then remember hearing a rumor that more had happened then was announced, but I brushed it off as crazy and impossible. Later in gym class, we didn't do much because it was signup day, so people quietly talked. I heard Ms. Baugher and another teacher talking about what they knew, and it confirmed the rumor from earlier. As soon as class let out I went to the library and got on a computer to see for myself. A small crowd of stunned kids gathered around to see too. Not much else went on at school that day, although I did sneak into a classroom that had the news on for a little while. I don't think many kids, including myself, really understood how big the events of the day were at that time. However, it seemed more serious when the bus my friend and I took home everyday, was free of charge, just to get everyone home safe. That night, aside from being glued to the television, I looked through some photos and video I had taken myself less than a month earlier on a trip to New York, which I am now so glad to have. For the Newton North class of 2005, we are the last students to have been at North on that day, and even after a new school is built, it's something we won't ever forget."

I took this picture 28 days prior to 9.11.2001

Believe it or not, the town of Natick hasn't always been so "Glamorous!"   I vaguely remember going to the original Natick Mall, before the first new mall was built in the early 90's.   Part of it was outdoors I think, with a playground in the middle.  I also remember the old shoppers world and Jordan Marsh with it's huge dome.  Then there is Lechmeres, and Service Merchandise...  Ha!  Maybe some of those were in Framingham, but who's really keeping track?  Go Here for an interesting article.

Last week, just up rt. 90 West, Natick got it's newest "luxury" expansion, The Natick Collection.  Attached to the old mall is a stunning new wing filled with higher end stores.  The mall is kind of segregated now, it's funny.  They did however integrate the two sections very nicely, I almost didn't notice we were walking into the regular mall.  Maybe I was just too focused on the new water feature, made of black granite.  Did I mention they have valet now?

Over the holiday weekend, Kim, Steve, & I went to Copley for some shopping.  I think it's my new favorite mall... (until Natick opens).  Anyways, before we left, Kim wanted to go to check out Tiffany's...  (Like she's never been before or something).  I tagged along, checking out the expensive engagement rings and other finely crafted neck wear.

I've never been one for jewelry, or any kind of "accessory" actually.  I didn't even wear a baseball hat until a few years ago!  No watches, no fancy belts, not even sun glasses...  They just never interested me, I guess.  However, a couple years ago on a cruise to Bermuda, I took my casino winnings and bought a gold chain.  Since then I've realized it's okay for guys to wear whatever.  I now have about a dozen hats, a replacement gold chain (RIP), a couple nice belts, glasses... etc!  (still no watch though... hint, hint ;) 

Back to Tiffany's - Did you know they have mens?  I didn't, but apparently Kimmy did.  After splurging on herself (I don't think she wants me to tell you what she bought), she surprised me with a late birthday gift!  It was a sterling silver ring...  Something I've SERIOUSLY always wanted!!  At weddings I'm always taking pictures of rings, but since I'm not married, I never had one of my own.  This is not a wedding ring or anything, lol, but I do love it, a lot.  Steve bought a really nice one, too.  I recommend them as a gift for your guy friends... way to go Kim!

Newton is a big city.  With that said, tonight I heard fire engines racing somewhere around 8:30pm, from my home in Newtonville.  Around 9pm, Amanda called me from Waban, asking if Newton was "under attack or something".  Apparently she could hear them not only from across town, but also a half hour later. 

I turned on our police scanner, lol, and tried to hear what was going on.  Not willing to wait any longer, I got in my car and headed towards Waban.  Then Mom called and told me it was something on Washington Street, which is a main artery of Newton with lots of large buildings.  It didn't take me long to find the flashing lights, and the suspected fire. 

By the time I had arrived, the apartment complex fire was already out.  The only reasons I go to these are because 1) I am nosey & 2) because I freelance for CNC, one of Boston's major publishers.  They rarely assign things to me but when I come upon something on my own, they'll usually publish it. 

The ladder truck shown here is the one my brother Joe works on.  He wasn't on duty tonight.  I'm sure he'll be disappointed to have missed this one.

Water being sprayed through the roof.

Firefighters on the top floor making sure everything is out.

My favorite.

If your a photographer and your reading my blog, you probably already know about the tag game thats going around.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'll tell you.  There is a tag game going around. 

Not sure where it started but photographers are tagging other photographers via blog sites, and they must tell 8 things about themselves otherwise not known, and then tag 8 other photographers.  I was tagged twice, by Margaret Singer & Amanda Harris, two great photographers.

Here goes!

1)  I've been on Larry King Live.  It was the episode with Larry Birkhead and Anna Nicole's daughter Dannielynn.  Interested?  Click here to watch!

2)  I have been working at the same restaurant for over six years!  (I am 20 - that's a long time).  It's a family owned joint in Newton called Cabot's.  We are 50's style and have ice cream too.  (I blame the scooping for my tendinitis).  There actually aren't many places around who are willing to hire high schoolers, so when I turned 14, off to Cabot's it was.  My sister (now a nurse at Mass General) had her first job here too.  It's a great place to work instead of a chain like cvs or something.  Plus I think everyone should wait tables at some point in their lives, for obvious reasons.

3)  I have a twin.  Sorta.  There is a small hardware store not far from my house, and one of the guys who works there apparently looks JUST LIKE ME!  I shouldn't say apparently, I've actually discussed this with him, and yes, we do sorta look a-like.  At least 25 times over the past 6 years working at Cabot's, someone has said to me "Do you work at the hardware store??" or, "Do you have a brother at the hardware store??".  He reports that customers at his store frequently ask him about "the kid at Cabot's"!  One of these days I am going to get a picture of us together so I can post it!

4)  I <3 NYC.  My first visit to the Big Apple was around 94' with the fam.  Since then I've been back a dozen or so times.  Going there is actually not what makes me love it so much.  I guess I am just intrigued by the history of it.  My thesis on the race to build the tallest New York skyscraper in the 30's won first place junior year...  I also love old photos of the city.  After 9/11 I slowly realized that everything isn't always going to be here, or look the same.  This fueled my desire to photograph things.  It also started my NYC/WTC collection which includes all kinds of artifacts and memorabilia.  I also buy negatives and slides of the WTC/NYC in hopes of some day publishing a book of other people's photos.

5)  I've never eaten a whole tomato.  I love broccoli and carrots, but tomatoes gross me out!  (As do onions and pickles and mustard... Ahhhhh!)

6)  I actually enjoy going to the doctors/dentist...  I love the smell, ambiance, and personal attention there.  I feel lucky to live in Boston for the chance that someday I will need to be hospitalized.  We have some of the best in the country!  HOW WEIRD AM I!!??

7)  I think my second calling in life is Real Estate.  Lately those house-flipping shows have really gotten my attention.  If you don't watch them, you must start.  My favorites are "Flipping Out" and "The Real Estate Pros".  The guy on flipping out is neurotic and loony, however, I really appreciate his work.  He spends a lot of money on quality renovations that take time.  I wasn't brought up to do things quick and easy (see our home renovation) rather, I like things done right. 

8)  I'm getting a new toy!  MichaelBlanchard.com will be making its debut in the fall!  It will have one of the best looking blogs in the industry, a gallery stocked with photos, and a gift page featuring a line of frames and some one of a kind art work.  Send me your email address so I can keep you posted!

Now it's your turn lucky 8!  (Actually I did 9, deal!)

1.  The Martins - The personal blog of my amazing web designer Brock and his wife.

2.  Taslim Sidi - Another young Boston photographer!

3.  Tony & Ana Yu - A husband and wife photo team also from Newton.

4.  Heather Kincaid - A California photographer with a great eye.

5.  Heather Owens - A portrait photographer from Maryland who really captures emotion well.

6.  Jessica C. Moritz - A stunning photographer from Malta.

7.  Katie Higginbotham - A Florida photographer who loves "real" smiles!

8.  Michelle Howell - A blog dedicated to unique floral designs out of Kentucky.

9.  Crista Chitwood - A 21 year old from Illinois just doin what she loves!